The Reason I traveled Now

It was my friend's wedding day. The wedding was not until 2:30 pm and I was about 15 minute drive away. I slept in best I could. I then went to Henry Cowell State Park. This was the second state park locals had mentioned. It was literally just up the road from the campground. I planned to go on a mile hike around the redwoods so I wore my chacos.

Santa Cruz in the distance

Ferns growing in sand? The morning fog provides the moisture they need

It's a big slug. Their bright color and shape are similar to the fallen bay leaves. 

oops...my feet got dirty.

Once I arrived to the well known loop, a volunteer shared that there was a paved road that lead to a view of Santa Cruz. He also pointed out a banana slug. I enjoyed the hike around the labeled redwoods. I did take the paved road to the overlook. On the way, I saw signs for other trails that connected. I took several of them. In the end the 1 mile hike turned into 6-7 mile hike. So much for not having to take a shower before the wedding :) 

After a quick shower and getting ready, I drove to the wedding. It was held at an Italian restaurant built around redwoods. They had an outside eating area with beautiful wooden benches at the bases of the trees. It was nice to see my friend! The ceremony was had the couples personalities woven throughout. The food and fellowship was nice too. The sun was out the entire afternoon. A wonderful wedding. 

Locals Know Best

Keeping in the same fashion, I broke camp early and drove up the coast to Santa Cruz. Being with limited to no cell signal and few people the idea of walking on the boardwalk was no appealing. I drove through Santa Cruz the Wilder Ranch State Park. This was one of the parks the locals mentioned. It is known for its mountain biking trails. The trails are  mixed used. 

I began the day on one of the trails that walks along the bluffs. I was rewarded by seeing a grey whale mother and baby pair. The locals reported the whales were closer to the cliffs than usual. They would be under for quite some time prior to surfacing again. They must have not been diving deeply as they never showed their tails. 

Relying on recent history, I decided to go out on the deserted railroad track and cut back to the bluffs when the sun was out in the afternoon. The tracks were on the far side of a farm. After walking awhile, I saw several surfers cross the tracks heading towards the bluffs. I ran into one and asked if it was three mile beach or four mile beach. The local stated it was three mile beach and proceeded to show me a tiny path down to the beach. He also shared that one could climb the rocks and get to four mile beach. After enjoying the crashing waves on beach level, I climbed over some of the rocks as it was low tide. I did not see how I could get to four mile beach. 

I decided to go back up to the trail and walk to four mile beach. I was close to having this beach to myself as well. After soaking in the views and sounds, I climbed over the rocks to three mile beach. I walked back along the cliffs in the sun. It is amazing how different the colors are when the sun is shining. 

After the hike I took the surfer's advice and drove to Whale City Bakery and Grill in Davenport. It was the place to be. Crawling with people even at 230 pm. I have to give the restaurant props for treating a single patron well. I had a choice of immediate seating at bar or an outside table. I chose outside. I did not feel rushed and had good service. After eating simple, bland backpacker food, the meal tasted delicious. 

I then took the back way up and over the mountains to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV resort. I wound around the curves through the redwoods. I checked in and was given a map for the resort. It was smaller than I thought and truly made for RVs. After driving around the place twice looking for the designated tent area, I spotted a small sign. I set up camp quickly and relaxed.

I friend of mine from when I was working in CA drove to visit. Her and her husband were very kind to drive a couple hours to see me. It was so nice to catch up in person sitting at the base of very tall redwoods.

 Point Lobos State Reserve

Waking up early again. This time, however, several others were up near by. I left camp and drove up the coast to Monterey. Veteran's Memorial Park has camp sites on a first come, first serve basis. I arrived to find an empty spot. I claimed it and paid. I drove through Carmel on my way to Point Lobos State Reserve.

Upon arrival, I noticed an artist setting up to paint. She reported that this weekend was the annual Carmel Art Festival. One of the main features is 60 painting of local places by artists. I had planned to hike around the entire peninsula. After walking through the cypress forest, I learned about the "successful" whaling company that was stationed there. The company killed about 200 of the 400 whales on the west coast during that time period.

Cypress Trees

Hiking partner

I feel like I am being watched 

The next arm of the peninsula housed sea lions. Many were lounging on the sand or rocks. A few were playing in the water.  A short incline lead to the top of cliffs where no one else was. A walk through the forest brought me to the south shore where a type of black bird was nesting. Lots of them.
Further walking lead to tide pools at low tide. No starfish, but several different types of crabs. Just beyond this area one could walk out on the cliffs and watch the water crash on the rocks. While walking the final part of the loop porpoises could be seen and a whale briefly.

Fog starting to part

unique rock formations

Maybe petrified wood

  The fog was gone by 3:00. I drove back down the coast to see a different part of it in the sunlight. I was once again joined by many people. I went to Garrapata State Park unknowingly.  I pulled over at a turnout and walked down a trail to a quiet beach. When I came back up to the car and continued driving, I saw the sign for the park.

I decided to drive back to Carmel and stop at the art festival before heading to camp. I also wanted to get ice cream. After all, is it really a vacation without ice cream? Carmel is known for very nice restaurants and stores. I thankfully found parking and an ice cream shop. No coconut ice cream, so green mint  chocolate chip. I walked down to the beach in a wind jacket, hiking pants, chacos and dirty feet. Most other patrons were dressed to the nines and hurrying to dinner.

The paintings at the art festival were neat to see especially since I had seen several painters in action. I thought I could quickly set up the tent and walk down to see the sunset. Well, the walk to the sunset did not work out well as I never made it to the beach. I thought the road would, but it just kept going and going.

The one person tent is really for one person

Big Sur

Being excited to be up at 3:00AM on a Wednesday morning, means it's adventure time! After a quick shower and packing the final items, I drove on the empty roads to a friend's house. Yes, a friend who was very kind to get up at 4AM to take me to the airport. I had to check a bag as I was bringing a tent that had stakes. I made it through security only losing an unopened peanut butter container. Who knew that the consistency was too close to a liquid? Smooth flights landed me in San Jose 1130ish PST. After getting the rental car, I drove what ended up being four hours to almost the end of the Big Sur coast.

In Carmel, I stopped at a Safeway to purchase peanut butter and three gallons of water for drinking. The cellphone signal dropped immediately when entering the Big Sur area. The road reminds me of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Harepin turns, overlooks/turnouts, beautiful scenery. Mountains meeting the sea is beautiful even when cloudy/foggy. Just as I was beginning to regret picking a campground so far down the coast, I saw the sign for Sand Dollar Beach. I was exhausted, but had arrived. 

Bixby Bridge

Not a bad view while grazing

Sand Dollar Beach

A seat just for you

After setting up the tent, I went for a stroll on the bluffs and down to Sand Dollar Beach. After getting settled in. I turned in at about 7PM PST. The next morning, I awoke too early and tried to be still until an acceptable time to break camp. At 6:00, I packed up and drove up the coast. All choices have consequences. Driving up the coast early is no different. One is rewarded by very few cars, but have to accept fog hanging on the mountains making the water grey. 

I arrived at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park with no other cars around. I make the quick hike to the falls. It was special to be here alone. Why you ask? Mom hung a picture of these falls in the sun in my parent's bedroom many years ago. I think the picked it simply because of the blue colors and Dad's love of waterfalls. It was pretty special to be standing where the photographer had been standing. I wonder if she knows I was there? 

parts of a foundation of the "waterfall house" built by the Pfeiffer family. The bedroom  had a view of the falls.

View from the front door. 

I decided I would prefer a hike in the redwoods up the mountain across the road despite knowing I would miss the beautiful views of the ocean at the top. The cool morning temperature, birds chirping, bubbling of stream that fed the waterfall, towering redwood, and scattered wildflowers did not disappoint. As I was descending the loop people were ascending. Perfect timing :)

Where the ocean is under fog

After driving more windy beautiful miles on the coast, I checked in to Pfeiffer State Park where I would be camping. I read in a brochure about Pfeiffer beach. It is a beach down a road without a road sign. The area offers a river running into the ocean, waves have worn natural bridges in rocks, sand beaches to walk/relax while listening to the crashing waves. After a nap of a rock, the sun was burning off the fog. I drove down several miles of the coast to see it in the sunlight. The colors are completely different. Turquoise, bright blue, deep blue, green hills, light blue sky. Beautiful!

Taking advantage of the sun and trying to stay up alittle later, I decided to hike to the view and Pfeiffer Falls in Pfeiffer State Park. On the way, I met three older gentleman who were backpackers in Sierra Mountains usually, but wanted to take advantage of shoulder season at Big Sur.  After exchanging small talk at the view, they suggested Wilder Ranch State Park and Henry Cowell State Park near Santa Cruz. I noted those for Saturday and Sunday. 

Not the car I rented :)

Some of many people on the coastal highway

Pfeiffer Falls

View of the valley and to the coast

I turned in early again reading while listening to the river about 10 feet away is a great way to end the day.